MANILA, Sept. 12 -- The Department of National Defense (DND) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday reiterated their commitment to the constitution amid calls for the military to withdraw its support from the government.

"The DND, together with the AFP, is fully committed to upholding the tenets of the constitution and our mandate to the Filipino people," DND Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said in a joint statement.

"As a professional and non-partisan organization, the DND and AFP remain steadfast defenders of our nation and our democratic institutions."

The two officials said asking for the military's withdrawal of support is futile, irresponsible and politically motivated as it di...